WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WEEK CAN MAKE!

Well!  One week they're shouting "Hosanna!" and laying their coats down for him and his donkey to walk over as they travelled to Jerusalem and the next week they're shouting for him to be crucified!

Where were all his supporters?  Where were the crowds that travelled long distances to see him?  Or even just the local fans?  Where were the disciples?  Where was the blind man saying, "Free Jesus, for I was blind and now I see!"  Where was the deaf man?  The lame man?  Jesus' mother and brothers?  The centurion whose daughter was healed?  The bleeding woman?  Mary Magdalene?  Where was the father whose son was possessed?  Where was Lazarus saying, "Free Jesus!  For I was dead and Jesus made me alive again!"  Where was Zacchaeus saying, "Free Jesus!  For I was a short, nerdy, tree-climber and Jesus hung out with me anyway!"  Where were the large crowds that spread cloaks and palm branches and sang as he entered Jerusalem?  Where were the droves that were healed?  Or the thousands that were fed?  Where were the legions of sick crying out, "Free Jesus so that we too may be healed!"  Where were all these people?  

Perhaps they were there, but their voices were drowned out by the mob's demands for his death.  This wasn't the king they had imagined would lead a revolt against the Romans who were occupying the Jewish nation.

Following his trial, he was 'crowned', a purple robe was placed on his shoulders, a staff was placed in his right hand, the soldiers fell down in mock worship and the cross itself bore the sign of his crime: JESUS OF NAZARETH - KING OF THE JEWS.

"For unto us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace

there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne

and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

will accomplish this."

Isaiah 9:6ff